Sea salt and table salt have basically the same effect on your health, notes the Mayo Clinic. This is because the amount of sodium in table salt and sea salt is very similar, if not the same. Table salt has approximately 590 milligrams of sodium per 1/4 teaspoon, and sea salt ranges from 400 milligrams to 590 milligrams of sodium for 1/4 teaspoon. If have reduced kidney function, you should limit both types of salt. Because sea salt tends to have a stronger flavor, you may be able to use less sea salt than table salt, especially if you put it on your food at the end of preparation.
Effect of Salt on Kidneys
Too much sodium can have toxic effects on your kidneys, especially if you already have kidney damage, according to a January 2009 article in "Pediatric Nephrology." People who have kidney problems tend to be sensitive to sodium, which increases their risk of high blood pressure. Excess sodium can also increase the risk for proteinuria, in which there is excess protein in the urine; this condition is common in people with reduced kidney function.
Kidney Disease Salt Recommendations
People with kidney problems should limit all types of salt to limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams daily. Your doctor may recommend that you limit sodium even more. You don't want to avoid all sodium, because not getting a small amount of this mineral could lead to kidney failure.
Alternatives
Instead of adding sea salt or table salt during cooking, try using herbs to flavor your food. Cook at home from scratch rather than using processed foods, which add much of the salt in the typical American diet. Don't use commercial salt substitutes. These are high in potassium, which people with kidney damage usually need to limit as well as salt.
Considerations
Limiting salt will help reduce your risk of kidney and heart problems, but it can be difficult. Talk to your doctor to see how much salt you should have. If you find using sea salt helps you use less salt overall, use it in place of table salt as long as you keep your total sodium intake within the proper range. If you do need to use processed foods, read the labels carefully to choose those lowest in salt.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Sea Salt vs. Table Salt: Which Is Healthier?
- MedlinePlus: Sodium in Diet
- American Journal of Kidney Disease: Salt Intake and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: an Overlooked Modifiable Exposure? A Commentary
- Pediatric Nephrology: Salt Restriction in Kidney Disease--A Missed Therapeutic Opportunity?
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Iodized Salt, Kosher Salt or Sea Salt, Oh My!
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